How to Book an Affordable Honeymoon in France

France is one of the most visited countries in the world and considered by many to be one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations, but travel to France often comes with a hefty bill.




Discover France, the leading specialist in hiking and cycling tours to all regions of France, offers honeymooners and valuable and affordable way to visit France. With their unique brand of self-guided itineraries, couples can still have the romantic getaway that they’ve always dreamed of without breaking the bank. Guests can choose between Discover France’s 30 unique itineraries or custom plan their own adventure.




Travelers choose from a menu of accommodation that fits any budget, and Discover France provides route maps, baggage transfers, suggested itineraries, and all support needed. Best of all, honeymooners can explore France on their own (without the hassles of large group tours) while having peace of mind that Discover France will take care of all of the details.

Most couples also desire a few additional romantic days in Paris, and Discover France offers services to help facilitate that dream, as well as any others.

www.discoverfrance.com

Destination Wedding Hair Styles

By: Jamie Taylor

Your destination wedding will be the epitome of perfect: perfect place, perfect husband, perfect shoes, perfect dress and (hopefully) perfect hair. Believe me, you didn’t go through your destination planning for anything less than that! Choosing the perfect hairstyle can make or break your look, so consulting a stylist to get the perfect tresses will be well worth every penny.

Image by Kim Irons

In humid weather, your safest bet is a loose updo that keeps curly hair from going frizzy and straight hair from looking flat. Alternate with intricate twists and braids to add original taste. If your hair knows better and can keep the shape, then tighter curls (and a bit more hairspray) will do the trick.

Image by Maria Bernal

Mild , temperate weather is the best weather when it comes to your tresses, it gives you many more looks that you can work with: half up-dos with curls are sweet and transitional down-dos that can be pinned into casual updos maintain your elegance during your reception.

Image by Kim Irons

Image by Kim Irons

Image by Maria Bernal

Make sure, when you visit your stylist, you bring a picture of what you want - this way, both of you will be on the same page from the beginning.

Here's to hoping your hair is as gorgeous as you!

Yummy Favor Idea for Destination Weddings

Everyone loves an edible favor! Here's a new one on the market by Haute Choklet. A box comes filled with two chocolate covered fortune cookies. You can even personalize the fortune! Each one is available for $3, so it won't break the bank if you're watching your budget.

Available online at: http://hautechoklet.net/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5

More Ways to Pop The Question

Just this week we were contacted by someone who works for Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba after they read our blog post on wedding proposal ideas. She had some additional original and romantic proposals she had learned about and wanted to share.

One very creative man had the ever-willing Bucuti staff carefully package the ring in a waterproof box and hide it beneath the water at a nearby reef snorkeling site. The team then coordinated with the snorkeling charter regarding the ring’s location and made sure the couple was dropped in the correct spot. He “found” the box and brought it up to her; they both got on the boat curious to see what was inside. He then opened the box, got down on one knee, pulled out the ring and popped the question.


Another very inventive gentleman had the Bucuti team help him create an adventurous scavenger hunt to lead his fiancé-to-be to the ring. Earlier in the day he had gone off and coordinated with the staff to hide the ring in a spot which they subtlety guarded until she found it. While enjoying a meal at the Pirates’ Nest Restaurant, he invited her to partake in a thrilling hunt for buried treasure, complete with a pirate’s map and small beach shovel. The clues led her directly to a big X in the sand marking the spot of the buried treasure – a gorgeous diamond ring.

One gentleman asked the Bucuti staff to set up a picnic on an isolated area of Eagle Beach near the resort. They laid out a blanket, candles, red roses, chilled champagne with glasses and chocolate covered strawberries. At sunset he took her for a walk and they stumbled upon this romantic beach setting, where he got down on his knee with a surprise proposal.

So sweet! Thanks Caitlin for sharing these stories with us. If you have a great proposal idea or story, we'd love to hear it. Email us at info@destinationidomag.com with "Proposal" in the subject line.

Personalized Stamps for Your Destination Wedding Invites

There is nothing better than getting a wedding invitation in the mail. The beautiful paper stock and hand addressed envelope can make any romantic-at-heart go weak in the knees. And in the U.S. we're all about upping the ante - so raise the bar a tad by personalizing your stamps.

Stamps.com now provides different denominations of Photostamps so that the heavier invitations or oddly shaped pieces can have higher amounts of postage to make sure the mail is delivered without fail.

Are you ready for your closeup?

Something Blue - Accesssories For Your Destination I Do's

By: Jamie Taylor

Something Old - check
Something New - check
Something Borrowed - check
Something Blue...

As you try to decide what that "something" is, veer away from tradition. Most brides would find themselves reaching for the blue garter - but if you're reading this, you're not in the category of "most brides" and are likely wanting something a bit different.

Blue is a salient color that can bring the best out in any outfit, and it can really add some pizazz to your wedding ensemble. Rather than wear your "something blue" under your gown, why not flaunt it? Here are some affordable accessories to help point you in the right direction:

*Note: Products that are made by Ten Thousand Villages aids under privileged designers in under developed areas such as Africa, Asia and Latin America. Proceeds will benefit this fair trade organization.

Chrysalis Designs - Seriously Blue Cuff - $35
http://www.madeitmyself.com/item-detail.aspx?itemid=21000


Ten Thousand Villages - Tara Project Beaded Cuff Bracelet - $18

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=5543

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Blue Orchid Hair Pin - $39

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24518927

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Morpho Manelaus Butterfly Necklace - $89

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18822763

Ten Thousand Villages - Manos Amigos - Peruvian Turquoise Pendant- $170

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=8990

Jadecicada - Lapis Pyrite Necklace - $139

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21986247

For Boys Only - A Guide to Popping The Question

Okay gentlemen - we know that popping the question is one of the most nerve-wracking situations you'll be faced with. To drop to one knee and proclaim your love and intent to commit is about as heavy as it gets.

You want to impress her and show her that you've thought through a special proposal, but you may be stumped for ideas. We've got a few:

1. Take her on a weekend getaway

Lots of resorts offer proposal packages. One destination offering a special deal called Bethrothal Butler is LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. The package comes complete with a personal sit down with Cartier to find th perfect ring, private beach side dinner, an after hours couples massage and penthouse suite post-proposal party. All of this and two nights for $998. Check em out: http://www.laplayaresort.com/

2. Have a picnic

Take her to a special quiet place - in wine country, in a park by a lake, in a butterfly garden or on the beach - check out the local digs or ask around for a cool place. Bring some champagne, a blanket and a basket filled with gourmet cheeses, bread, fruit and of course - chocolate. If you have a portable music player - put together a playlist of your favorite music and don't forget to include your song. When it begins to play, take the ring out and pop the question!

3. Go camping

If your lady is the adventurous/outdoorsy type, this is just the ticket. Spice it up by bringing some candles (be careful of fire restrictions in your area though), music, a big blanket and some pillows to sit on. Offer to roast her a marshmallow and when she goes to take it, put the ring on the end of the skewer and drop to one knee. I promise, she'll love it.

4. Do it while you're shopping

Ahead of time, go into the store where you plan to buy the ring and ask if they would be willing to help you. Most jewelers are going to want your business, therefore are willing to do just about anything you ask. After you've purchased the ring, have the jeweler put the ring into the display case with a little sign saying "Julie (or whatever her name is), Will You Marry Me?" Next, take her shopping. Nonchalantly ask her to come into the store with you. Pointing at the sign in the display case, ask her to take a look. By the time she's done reading, you can be on your knee asking for her hand in marriage.

5. Hire a professional photographer

Proposing is a HUGE deal, so it's a good idea to get it on camera. Hire a photographer for the proposal and take her out for a special evening. She'll be dressed up and looking pretty if she knows you'll be taking her out on the town, therefore, ready for a closeup. When you're at dinner, have the photographer sit at another table or in the background so that they aren't noticeable. Once you've popped the question, you can go out and take some shots together. Your bride-to-be will be thrilled that you thought through these specifics since it will allow her to use your engagement photos for things like your guest book and save-the-date invites.

6. Do something she loves and you may hate

So maybe she's a huge fan of River Dance and you loathe people in tights jumping around to the sound of bag pipes (I don't blame you), but it's not about you. The proposal is ALL about her. Take the time and learn about something she loves. Perhaps it's the opera or the ballet - just suck it up for an evening and take your lady out. She'll love that you put in the effort and put her desires first. Toward the end of the evening, she'll be gushing and you can move in with the ring. This also will increase your chances that she'll say yes!

Once you've popped the question, she's going to need your help. If you plan to do a destination wedding, you'll find you can actually have a pretty active role. Maybe offer to handle getting some of the group activities underway or handle scouting out a good DJ or band. A good marriage takes team effort, so your wedding planning will too.

Good luck and when she does say yes and you're finished saying your "Destination I Do's" send us your wedding photos and we'll put them on the blog! You can email your submissions to info@destinationidomag.com

Portable Play Lists for Your Destination Wedding

Many brides are considering skipping the DJ or band altogether and hooking their iPod up to a sound system at their reception. This is a great way to save money, but there are several things you should keep in mind.

• You will still need a person to keep the flow of the event going like an emcee or a wedding planner. For example, when it's time for toasts or to cut the cake - make sure you have a way to grab every one's attention so that the important parts of the reception don't get missed. Don't take on this task as you will find yourself being pulled in many directions.


• Make sure that your iPod or mp3 player is properly charged and that your songs are organized into play lists for easy use.


• Create different play lists depending on where you are at in the evening. For example, during dinner you may want to have a slower, more mellow music playing versus later in the night when the party is in full swing and you want people on their feet dancing.


• Don't man the iPod yourself! Give someone that task and make sure you've done a run through so they know what needs to play and when. You'll also want to make sure your designated person knows how to work the device.


• Double check the connections and ensure that your music player will work with the reception's sound system - or figure out if you can bring your own. Test it to make sure the music will be loud enough for the space you're reception will be held.


• If you're opting for a music player for your ceremony, make sure to include the person who will be operating the mp3 player/iPod in your rehearsal and do a full run through. Trust me, I've seen this go awry and it's not pretty!

For some non-traditional destination wedding play lists including first dance songs, reception music ideas and ceremony tunes depending on your location, click here.

Giving Back by Getting Gifts For Your Destination Wedding

As you plan your destination wedding, I'm sure it's come to mind that getting gifts while many other people are in need may feel a little backwards. But your guests are going to want to give you a little something special and now you can give back while you receive.

If you encourage your guests to purchase your wedding presents via GoodShop.com, you can help many a worth cause. Goodshop.com is a new online shopping mall that donates up to 30% of every purchase made at more than 1,000 stores (including Williams-Sonoma, Macy’s, Target, Bloomingdale’s and other shops where couples generally register) to the your favorite charity.

With the billions of dollars that are being spent on wedding gifts registries each year, even a small percentage can go a long way! By using GoodShop, you still receive all of the gifts you've chosen, and your guests still pay the same price (or less with the hundreds of coupons listed), but at the same time, your favorite charity receives a portion of everything that was spent!

GoodShop works with more than 79,000 nonprofits – everything from the American Red Cross to local animal shelters – and if you (or your guests) favorite charity isn’t already listed with the site, you can add it!

Here’s how it works:

• Go to http://www.goodshop.com/


• Designate your favorite cause (you only do this the first time)


• Click through to your favorite store – shop from gift registries at hundreds of popular shops as you normally would and a percentage of your purchase will go to your cause!

Sassy Sidekicks - Destination Wedding Accessories

By: Jamie Taylor

Brides of 2009, if you are looking for fashionable finishes, we've found accessories that will add a little pizazz to your already stunning attire.

In Lieu of a Traditional Veil:
Go with a 1920’s flapper girl headband or a birdcage veil with a big accent piece to evoke a modern and classic look for your destination wedding. As we all know fashion is cyclical and in 2009 brides should look to the Great Gatsby era, or the classic Grecian goddesses for inspiration when searching for the perfect destination wedding accessories.

http://www.mariabernalphotography.com/ & http://www.unveiledbridaldesigns.com/

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/

For Your Bouquet

Every bride wants to have an original wedding style, especially when it comes to the floral design. Add a unique stem wrap, crystal jewelry pieces, or change the look of the traditional flower bouquet altogether.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10643831

http://www.weddingaccents.com/

Stay tuned for more fashion forward ideas or pick up a copy of Destination I Do at your nearest Barnes & Noble (or on our web site of course - www.destinationidomag.com/subscribe) for the latest in what's hot this season.

Hotel Valencia Wedding Experience Finale to Air May 22nd

Hotel Valencia and WOAI TV partner to bring San Antonio its first televised wedding on “San Antonio Living”

On the May 22nd episode of “San Antonio Living” on WOAI, The Hotel Valencia Wedding Experience’s winning wedding couple, Bethany Ellison and Blake McKay, will have their wedding ceremony and reception aired on San Antonio’s first ever televised wedding. This will allow viewers the unique opportunity to see the wedding couple and various details that they themselves voted on pulled together into one spectacular wedding event.

As the culmination of the Hotel Valencia Wedding Experience, which began in February, the entire hour long show will be dedicated to showing viewers behind the scene wedding day preparations, ceremony and reception highlights (including the first dance, champagne toast and cake cutting), as well as the romantic departure from the hotel. Viewers will get a taste of the best in San Antonio wedding services, trends and fashions when the winning vendors of each viewer-voted category, including themes, gowns, flowers and much more are presented as a part of Bethany and Blake’s wedding.

The winners from each category are:
· Wedding Theme/Consultant: “I Do” Wedding Consulting, Diana Boucher and Associates
· Gown/Designer: Vera Wang, provided by Julian Gold
· Photographer: David Sixt Designer Portrait and Wedding Photography
· Cake: One of a kind cake from Mad About Cake!
· Floral Arrangement: Goen South Weddings, Brooke Harris
· Wedding Menu presented by Hotel Valencia Executive Chef Jeffery Balfour

· Wedding Song: “With This Ring” by T Carter, music to be provided by Chris Koval

Additional vendors providing services for the wedding include: Joseph’s, J. Green Jewelers, Versi Salon, Aztec Rentals, Nelda Etheredge Harpist, The Makeup Maven and Co. and You’ve Got Paper.

For more information on the winning vendors, services and details, visit: http://www.woai.com/content/wedding/default.aspx.

The televised coverage of the wedding will include footage of Bethany and Blake as they get ready for the ceremony from Hotel Valencia’s luxurious Presidential Suite, and sophisticated and stylish Junior Suite.

Approximately 80 guests are expected to attend the event. The ceremony will take place inside Hotel Valencia’s courtyard in front of a cascading waterfall. Afterwards, guests will sip drinks on the hotel’s terrace over-looking the River Walk before the couple’s reception, which will take place in the beautifully appointed Verona room.

Tune in to “San Antonio Living” weekdays from 10-11 a.m. on 4 WOAI (NBC) and visit woai.com for the latest on the Hotel Valencia Wedding Experience.

A Wedding Gift For Guests of The Bride

The Ritz-Carlton is offering more special for friends and family. If you are getting married at any one of their properties in Mexico or the Caribbean, you may be in for some extra value.

The Reconnect package ensures stress-free planning for the wedding couple with a built-in itinerary of activities for guests to choose from based on their individual preferences, and their wedding concierges will work with guests prior to arrival to make reservations and take care of any special requests.

The Reconnect package at The Ritz-Carlton hotels of the Caribbean & Mexico includes:

- Nightly accommodations

- Daily breakfast for two

- A $100 daily resort credit- for use at restaurants, the Spa and for recreation activities such as:

• The Culinary Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun- where guests can explore cooking, wine, and Mexican tequilas
• The award-winning White Witch Golf Course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica
• Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
• BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino
• Sailing on the Lady Lynsey at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

In addition, when booking a wedding on the Reconnect® package, for a minimum of three nights and twenty-five rooms or more through December 20, 2009, the wedding couple will receive a complimentary wedding ceremony and three-night stay for their first anniversary, redeemable at any of their five Caribbean & Mexico hotels.

For more information visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/

“EXTRA’S” Wedding Week of Giveaways!

Love is in the air and the celeb wedding bells keep on ringing! Now YOU can say “I do” like the stars and “Extra” will help you pay for it.

All week on “Extra,” they are giving away wedding essentials – from the gown and the honeymoon to wedding bands and even the photographer!

Today’s giveaway is wedding bands courtesy of Tacori Jewelers. One lucky couple will win a woman’s wedding band in platinum with diamonds, and for him a band in 18 carat white gold.

Later this week, “Extra” will give away a honeymoon to Conrad Maldvies Rangali Island, a trip valued at $13,000! Plus, “Extra” will give away designed wedding invitations at Soolip.com and even a renowned photographer.

PLUS - What’s a wedding without the wedding party? “Extra” will give away 4 bridesmaid dresses and a flower girl dress by Kirstie Kelly Couture. PLUS, 4 pearl necklaces from Pearl Paradise and one pair of pearl studs for the bride.

Tune in to “Extra,” listen for the secret word and sign up on http://www.extratv.com/ to become an “Extra” friend for your chance to win!

Tropical Elegance - A Destination Wedding on Lana'i

Images by DMS Photography, Floral Design by Anny Heid Flowers

We get so many submissions each week of beautiful brides going to far off places to say their "destination I do's" and this one was particularly special. The couple married on one of our favorite Hawaiian islands - Lana'i.

Every little detail was accounted for and the tropical theme was felt throughout.

Besides the gorgeous couple and flowers, there's also the landscape to factor in.

At a seaside ceremony, the couple made it official.

The reception at sunset, was lit only by candles and tiki torches. The Four Season's Lana'i always does a magnificent job at creating ambiance, and just look at those centerpieces!

We wish the happy couple the very best of luck. A big thanks to DMS Photography for sending us the beautiful shots as well as one of our favorite people on this earth and talented floral designer Anny Heid for submitting this wedding! Mahalo!

Plan B Destination Wedding - Amelia Island, Florida

Images by Arden Photography


When Allison and Ben began the planning for their July 28th destination wedding, I'm sure they didn't foresee rain in their future. But, nevertheless, rain is what they got.

Although the day turned out to be a little soggier than they'd hoped - Allison and Ben were radiant.

Her color choice of mocha and coral were a perfect blend for the overcast background. And truth is, pictures always turn out better on a cloudy day. Arden Photography did an amazing job capturing this sweet couple.

Walking along the beach in front of Amelia Island Plantation, their pint-sized flower girl didn't seem to have a care in the world.

And really, neither did the wedding party...

A cherry covered wedding cake took center stage at their wedding reception, which took place at Amelia Island Plantation's Ocean Club.

Allison & Ben were probably told a thousand times that day that rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck. Rain or no rain, the wedding was beautiful and we wish them a lifetime of sunshine.